24 February 2010

TANZANIA : Tanzania to compete in Zone Five youth basketball meet

THE Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) will send Under-18 national team to Nairobi, Kenya for the Zone Five youth Championships that starts from April 28 to May 2.

TBF Secretary General Alexander Msoffe told the ‘Daily News’ today that the team will be picked from the various clubs countrywide as well as from the annual inter school tournament in Dar es Salaam region and other schools across the country.

He said at least 24 players will be selected to form the squad that will start an immediate camp to shape up for the tournament. Msoffe added that a contingent of 30-strong man squad including officials will make the trip to Nairobi to honour the tournament.

“We have so many skilled players across the country who play basketball but our main focus will be directed to various schools where there are abundant talents in the sport,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Basketball League (NBL) is planned to start on April 10 to 18 at the National Indoor Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The tournament will bring together all mainland regions. Msoffe said that so far Bukoba, Mbeya, Mwanza and Dar ea Salaam regions have shown their interest to participate in the league.

However, Msoffe said that the federation needs some 150m/- to smoothly host the tournament. He pleaded for help especially from corporate companies in order to make the event a success.

“We are facing financial hardship. We really need help from well-wishers, because the tournament needs a minimum of 150m/- in order to transport regional teams and cater for their expenses while in the city and also running the tournament,” he said.